Deputy Defense Minister: Timely Deployment of US Strategic Assets Preferable to Tactical Nuclear Redeployment

Radio Interview "No Discussion on the Need for Nuclear Sharing on the Korean Peninsula"
US-ROK Extended Deterrence Cooperation... "Various Options Under Review"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Regarding the recent discussions in the political sphere about the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons and nuclear sharing, Shin Beom-chul, Deputy Minister of National Defense, expressed the view that it would be more desirable to deploy U.S. strategic assets in a timely manner.

On the 13th, Deputy Minister Shin said on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' "Rather than redeploying tactical nuclear weapons, it is most desirable to deter North Korea by deploying the U.S. strategic assets currently available to us on the Korean Peninsula in a timely and coordinated manner."

He explained, "Whether nuclear sharing is necessary on the Korean Peninsula is not something we are currently discussing. Discussions are at the level of what U.S. strategic assets will come at the necessary time and how to show them to deter North Korea's threats and manage the situation."

Regarding the proposal to permanently station U.S. strategic bombers, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and nuclear-powered submarines deployed in Guam around the Korean Peninsula, Deputy Minister Shin said, "That would be something I would want to call nuclear sharing," but drew a line by adding, "(The current discussions) are not at that level."

Deputy Minister Shin explained that while the timely deployment of U.S. fighter jets has precedent in the past, it is currently difficult to officially mention exactly when and how this would be done. However, he added that "various options are being reviewed" regarding extended deterrence cooperation between South Korea and the U.S.

Additionally, Deputy Minister Shin interpreted the inclusion of the phrase "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" in the National Security Strategy (NSS) released by the White House that day as indicating "the U.S. also has no intention of redeploying tactical nuclear weapons." Regarding security cooperation with Japan, such as the South Korea-U.S.-Japan joint exercises, he noted that Japan's abundant reconnaissance assets would be helpful but emphasized that "it must be based on a correct understanding of history."

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